Barco : Things to consider when streaming 4K for surgery

Learn more about what makes a good video integration system in the operating room:

In the operating room (OR), it's vital that the staff be able to determine the smallest detail. Offering four times the resolution of Full HD and hence four times as many pixels, 4K allows clinicians to see more anatomical detail and more clinically relevant information.

4K not only brings higher resolution to the screen, but also a wider color gamut and increased depth perception - which leads to more detail-rich, color-correct images for better observation of fine tissue types and structures, such as blood vessels, nerves…

1. 4K end-to-end

   In order to get a good image, the entire imaging chain - from camera to screen - has to be in the same quality, i.e. 4K. If there is any variation, the quality of the final image will be affected. In other words, the 4K end-to-end process, from image acquisition to streaming, presentation and recording, is vitally important. So when choosing a video integration system, pick one that enables end-to-end streaming of 4K images.

2. No downscaling

   More importantly, the system should allow mixed streaming of both HD and 4K signals, without the need to downscale. Downscaling 4K images to HD format will cause image artifacts and, as a result, loss of image quality.

3. No external components

   When 4K streaming is possible, make sure it can be done without external converters, extenders or splitters. They just add cable clutter, complexity, and another point of failure to the system, and this has a huge impact on downtime, maintenance and cost.